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Jurors have heard that 11 charges against 53-year-old Gathercole date back to when both accusers were placed in the home.

Gathercole, a social worker who had been fostered himself, had been working there at the time of the allegations against him.

Six indecent assaults and two rapes involved the girl who gave evidence today (Tuesday, April 24).

Gathercole allegedly repeatedly touched her inappropriately in her bedroom. He had told her no-one would believe her if she said anything and she believed him, Miss Herbert earlier told the jury on Monday.

"In her words she was 'damaged goods', a teenage runaway," added Miss Herbert.

Gathercole also allegedly indecently assaulted this girl in his car and also carried out the rapes in the flat designed to encourage independence in youngsters due to leave the home.

"As the children approached 16, Amberdale readied to throw them back into the world again," said Miss Herbert to the jury.

"I say throw them; unfortunately the reality is very little provision was made for them once they had left. Many of them did not have suitable homes to go to, but their time at Amberdale would draw to a close".